Had the joy of accidentally stumbling into their shop about 3 years ago. I was out of town working, and craving a cigar. I had actually been on a hiatus from the pipe for about a year or so and averaging about 5-6 sticks a week. My boss, definitely a curmudgeon that didn't smoke, if that's possible, acted as if I had lost my mind when I asked for a quick ride in the company vehicle. So I struck out, in sleet, for the 1 mile walk. Thankfully, I was rewarded when I walked through the door. I just stood in the door starstruck, as I had never seen anything like that. Jars of tobacco went floor to ceiling and wall to wall on my left and, in front of me, the same, but with pipes. Oh at the pipes. We didn't really have very much extra back then, and things were pretty tight with a 4 month old, our first. I think she knew how depressed I would be if I had to leave empty handed, so she counted change and loose dollars, and gave me an 80$ budget. With that, I bought my first new pipe, a Chacom sandblast that I still have, and an once of billy budd. I had been craving that blend for a long time and they had it. Let me just say this, I wish I would have just plopped my ass down in one of their leather couches or chairs and enjoyed to company of the other 7 or so people, including every single person that worked behind the counter, with pipes. In Savannah, I rarely see anyone else smoking a pipe, and to me, I wasn't good enough to sit in with these people. Looking back, I know now that I passed up an opportunity that very few people get the chance to do. I have vowed to return, and that day is coming soon. Not just for the pipes or tobacco, but for the wonderful staff. They really do enjoy this hobby and helped me more than I could have asked. Really good folks up there. Sorry for the long wind, but it was transcendent for me and pushed me to where I am now with my pipe smoking, including being a member on this forum.
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